WATCH: TV Star Shanks Ball Into Crowd At Phoenix Open Stadium Hole

The Bachelor's Matt James shanked his shot into a crowd of photographers at the iconic 16th hole on Wednesday

Matt James Shanks Ball
(Image credit: Instagram: @pgatour)

The 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open has produced some memorable moments over the years. Whether it is Tiger Woods' hole in one in 1997, the ace made by Jarrod Lyle in 2011, or the general mishaps and noise from the 20,000 surrounding raucous individuals. It really is one of the most iconic holes in golf!

Dubbed the 'The Coliseum' due to the grandstand seats completely surrounding the hole, it can be an extremely pressure-filled environment. Don't believe us? Then ask The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars' Matt James, who produced a stone-cold shank during the Whoop Shot at Glory.

You can watch the dreaded shank below:

You may wonder what is the Whoop Shot at Glory? Put simply, chosen individuals have one ball which they must get closest to the pin, the person who gets the ball closest, wins $25,000 for their chosen charity.

If we are being honest, when Matt James stepped up to the tee we didn't hold out much hope, with The Bachelor star deciding to go bare-foot and his swing resembling someone who hasn't played the game much in their life. Although, looks can be deceiving, and who knows, it is only one shot.

However, after stepping up to the shot and taking an almighty swipe, the ball didn't propel so much forward than it did sideways, smashing into a group of photographers stationed to the right of the tee.

Thomas hits a shot at the 16th

Justin Thomas hits a shot at the 16th

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Thankfully for James, no-one was seriously injured and with all-due respect he did instantly check on the photographer he hit, giving him a somewhat sympathetic hug after the shot.

Posting a video on Instagram afterwards, the 30-year-old said: "Uhhh, I think I was aiming for the wrong hole. You know, I took a divot on that first shot and I should have toned it down a little bit. I was a little bit worked up and that second shot, it just came off the tip of my nine-iron and it was a clean thigh shot.

"I really want to apologise again for that. I was not aiming for you, quite frankly I don't think I was aiming at anything. I don't think I should have stepped out here. I was telling the guys I spent six-hours at Topgolf and it obviously didn't pay off. I will be back next year and I will put a lot of effort in between now and then. The only way is up."

For those wondering if the photographer was okay, he was, posting a humorous video message, saying: "He (James) is a good guy. He felt bad and I felt it. Next year, I will wear a cup!"

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x